The saying goes…”April showers bring May flowers” and the Iowa Quarter Horse Association state show, the Mayflower, bloomed by bringing a great venue with big classes, deep competition, and fun exhibitor events. The show ran May 5-8 at the Jacobson Building located at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa.
Special events included an exhibitor pizza party as well a showmanship clinic presented on Thursday by Shannon Vroegh and Hannah Lind. The three levels of the Mayflower showmanship patterns were broken down and presented by small fry, novice, and amateur exhibitors for the audience.
The IQHA Amateurs held a silent auction of themed baskets with a fun variety from flower planters to a wagon filled with summer toys. A pancake breakfast with biscuits and gravy as well as the annual pie and cake auction on Saturday were put on by the IQHA youth organization. Also, on Saturday, Purina sponsored a Kentucky Derby party with hors devours and drinks with live coverage of the race.
There were close to 1000 additional entries from last year’s numbers with approximately 5900 total entries. The halter classes were the some of the largest classes seen at any show this year. The pleasure numbers were extremely high as well with most classes being split.
Some of the winners include Patrick Heeley with Dressed To Party as the Senior Western Pleasure circuit champion as well as the Green Western Pleasure circuit champion riding, RR Final Approach. Jess Bergantzel was the circuit winner in the Green Trail on Pass Me Good. Lily Anderson with Slew Of Details won the circuit in the Youth Hunter Under Saddle. Gil Galyean and Joanie Zelnio rode Party Blazer to win the Junior Western Pleasure and Select Western Pleasure circuits respectively. The All-Around Amateur was Missy Merwald with Hes Wiser.
The Mayflower, IQHA State show, continues to get better and larger each year. With a great venue, numerous exhibitor activities and prizes, outstanding vendors and great competition, this is certainly one show trainers and exhibitors will want to add to their schedules for future years.
CLICK HERE to view the candids sponsored by The Rock Stallion and kindly taken by Cara Klyn.
